Mechanical properties of Raphanus sativus L. seeds

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of moisture content on rupture strength, maximum strength,
and rupture deformation for fixed deformations, and determine the proportional deformation modulus of seeds of Raphanus
sativus subjected to compressive loading. Seeds with a moisture concentration of 0.31, 0.18, 0.12, 0.08, and 0.05 decimal (dry
basis, d.b.) were maintained in the natural resting position and were subjected to uniaxial compressive loading between two
parallel plates at an application rate of 0.002 m s-1. The rupture strength necessary to deform the seeds was increased from
15.03 to 27.08 as moisture levels decreased. Deformation was increased from 0.12-3 m to 0.15 × 10-3 m as moisture content
decreased. The maximum rupture strength and proportional deformation modulus in fixed deformations were increased as
moisture concentration decreased.